Foot Drop

Introduction

Foot drop is a gait abnormality leads to dropping of the forefoot happens due to weakness, irritation or damage to the common fibular nerve along with the sciatic nerve, or paralysis of the muscles in the anterior part of the lower leg.

Symptoms

Foot drop is characterized by the steppage gait. While walking, people suffering the condition drag their toes along the ground or bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual to avoid the dragging. This serves to raise the foot high enough to prevent the toe from dragging and prevents the slapping.

Treatment

Foot drop is the result of neurological disorder; only rarely is the muscle diseased or nonfunctional. The source for the neurological impairment can be central or peripheral. Foot drop occurs rarely because of a pathology involving the muscles or bones that make up the lower leg.

Statistics 

In 2009-2010, an estimated 670 (95% confidence interval (CI) 447 to 893) patients in UK consulted a general practitioner or practice nurse regarding dropped foot, corresponding to a rate per 1,000 population of 0.12 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.16). In 2010-2012, an estimated 760 (95% confidence interval (CI) 447 to 893) patients.